ABSTRACT Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) has been included in the List of Prohibited Substances for athletes since 1987, due to its ability to increase and stabilize the endogenous production of testosterone. The aims of this paper were to describe the justification for the use of the hormone for doping purposes, relate the main hormone detection tests with the standards established in the field of sports, and describe the strategy of the Havana Anti-Doping Laboratory (LAH), in the environment of current regulations. The LAH analysis strategy is based on a prescreening assay using a national production technology such as the Ultra-Micro Analytical System (SUMA), for the detection of the total fraction of the hormone. The quantification of the intact fraction is carried out by means of an electro chemiluminescent assay with the use of the Elecsys Cobas e411 analyzer from the German firm Roche.

RESUMEN La hormona gonadotropina coriónica humana (hCG) se incluyó en el listado de sustancias prohibidas para los atletas desde el año 1987, debido a su capacidad de elevar y estabilizar la producción endógena de testosterona. El presente trabajo se trazó como objetivos describir la justificación del uso de la hormona con propósitos de dopaje, relacionar los principales ensayos de detección de la hormona con las normas establecidas en el ámbito del deporte y describir la estrategia del Laboratorio Antidopaje de La Habana (LAH), en el entorno de las regulaciones vigentes. La estrategia de análisis del LAH se basa en un ensayo de prescreening usando una tecnología de producción nacional como el Sistema Ultra-Micro Analítico (SUMA), para la detección de la fracción total de la hormona. La cuantificación de la fracción intacta se realiza mediante un ensayo electroquimioluminiscente con el uso del analizador Elecsys Cobas e411 de la firma alemana Roche.

Abstract The aim of this multicenter study was to explore the early-life sugar consumption and dietary practices in Latin America as well as to investigate the association between breastfeeding duration and the age at which foods and beverages with added sugars are introduced. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 805 1- to 3-year-old children from 10 Latin American countries, as a complementary study to the Research Observatory for Dental Caries of the Latin American Region (OICAL). A Food Frequency Questionnaire previously tested in different countries was applied to children’s mothers and data on breastfeeding and age at introduction of sugary foods and beverages was collected. Statistical analysis included the Kruskal-Wallis test and Poisson regression with robust variance, with the calculation of crude and adjusted mean ratios (MR) and 95% of confidence intervals (CI). The average age at introduction of sugary foods and beverages was 10.1 months (95%CI 9.7–10.4) and 9.6 (95%CI 9.2–9.9) months, respectively, with a significant variation between countries (p < 0.001). The average daily frequency of sugary foods-beverages was 3.3 times per day (95%CI 3.1–3.5) and varied significantly between countries (p = 0.004). Breastfeeding duration of over six months was associated with an increase in the age of introduction of sweet drinks (16%; MR 1.16; 95%CI 1.05–1.28) and foods (21%; MR 1.21; 95%CI 1.10–1.33). In conclusion, most children from vulnerable settings in Latin America start consuming sugary products in the first year of life and a high frequency of consumption was reported through early childhood. Additionally, breastfeeding contributes to a delay in the introduction of sugary products. earlylife introduced crosssectional cross sectional 80 1 3yearold yearold 3 old OICAL. OICAL . (OICAL) childrens s collected KruskalWallis Kruskal Wallis variance (MR 95 CI. CI (CI) 101 10. 95CI 9.7–10.4 97104 9 7 4 96 6 9. 9.2–9.9 9299 2 respectively p 0.001. 0001 0.001 0 001 0.001) foodsbeverages 33 3. 3.1–3.5 3135 5 0.004. 0004 0.004 004 0.004) 16% 16 (16% 1.16 116 1.05–1.28 105128 05 28 21% 21 (21% 1.21 121 1.10–1.33. 110133 1.10–1.33 1.10–1.33) conclusion childhood Additionally 8 (OICAL (CI 9.7–10. 9710 9.2–9. 929 000 0.00 00 3.1–3. 313 (16 1.1 11 1.05–1.2 10512 (21 1.2 12 11013 1.10–1.3 9.7–10 971 9.2–9 92 0.0 3.1–3 31 (1 1. 1.05–1. 1051 (2 1101 1.10–1. 9.7–1 97 9.2– 0. 3.1– ( 1.05–1 105 110 1.10–1 9.7– 9.2 3.1 1.05– 1.10– 9.7 1.05 1.10 1.0

Resumo Introdução e Objetivos: A prevalência da obesidade entre mulheres em idade fértil tem aumentado nos últimos anos, devendo ser considerada na escolha do método contracetivo. Estas mulheres apresentam maior risco de eventos tromboembólicos, sendo superior com a utilização de contraceção hormonal combinada (CHC). Por este motivo, algumas sociedades médicas não recomendam a utilização de CHC nas mulheres com obesidade classe 2 e 3. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar a terapêutica contracetiva nas mulheres obesas de classe 2 ou superior em nove Unidades de Saúde Familiar (USF’s) da região norte de Portugal. Tipo de Estudo: Estudo multicêntrico observacional retrospetivo transversal. População: Todas as mulheres em idade fértil (15-49 anos), com IMC ≥35 kg/m2, inscritas nas USF’s intervenientes e inseridas no programa de planeamento familiar (PF). Métodos: A amostra foi recolhida através da plataforma MIM@UF® e a identificação do método anticoncecional e antecedentes tromboembólicos através do processo clínico (SClínico®). Foram excluídas mulheres grávidas, mulheres sem consulta nos últimos cinco anos e mulheres com dados inválidos. Resultados: Da amostra inicial de 1063 mulheres, 123 foram excluídas. A idade média era 36,8 ± 8,8 anos e o IMC médio era 39,2 ± 4,0 kg/m2. Desta amostra, 36,2% (n=340) estavam sob progestativos (70,9% progestativo oral, 14,7% sistema intrauterino com levonorgestrel, 13,8% com implante progestativo, 0,6% com progestativo injetável); 27,7% (n=260) estavam sob CHC, 12,8% (n=120) estava sob métodos não hormonais (55,8% métodos de barreira; 37,5% dispositivo intrauterino de cobre; 6,7% métodos naturais); 6,4% (n=60) estavam com métodos permanentes e 17,0% não utilizavam método contracetivo (n=160). Nesta amostra, 2,2% (n=21) tinham antecedentes tromboembólicos. Conclusões: A CHC é o segundo método mais usado nas USF intervenientes, apesar do seu uso não estar recomendado. Dado o elevado risco de eventos tromboembólicos, é essencial implementar medidas corretivas para a melhoria do aconselhamento contracetivo nas consultas de PF.

Abstract Overview and Aims: The prevalence of obesity among fertile women has increased over the last few years and should be considered when choosing a contraceptive method. These women have a higher risk of thromboembolic events that increases with the use of combined hormonal contraception (CHC). Therefore, some medical societies do not recommend the use of CHC in women with class 2 obesity or higher. This study aims to assess the contraceptive methods used in women with class 2 obesity or higher in nine Primary Healthcare Units (PHU) in northern Portugal. Study Design: Multicentric retrospective, observational, cross-sectional study. Population: All women of reproductive age (between ages 15 and 49), with a BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2, enrolled in the intervening PHU and included in the family planning (FP) program. Methods: The sample was collected using the MIM@UF® database, obtaining the contraceptive method and thromboembolic history through the individual electronic medical record system, Sclínico®. Pregnant women, women without a medical appointment in the previous five years and women with invalid data were excluded. Results: From the initial sample of 1063 women, 123 were excluded. The mean age was 36.8 ± 8.8 years, the mean BMI was 39.2 ± 4.0 kg/m2. From the sample, 36.2% (n=340) were using progestogen (70.9% progestogen-only pill, 14.7% levonorgestrel intrauterine system, 13.8% progestogen-only implant, 0.6% progestogen-only injectables); 27.7% (n=260) were taking CHC; 12.8% (n=120) were with a non-hormonal methods (55.8% barrier methods; 37.5% copper intrauterine contraceptive device, 6.7% natural methods); 6.4% (n=60) were with permanent methods, 17.0% were not using any type of contraception (n=160). In this sample, 2,2% (n=21) had a thromboembolic event. Conclusions: CHC was the second most used method in the intervening FHU, although its use is not recommended. Given the high risk of thromboembolic events, it is essential to implement corrective measures to improve contraceptive counselling in FP consultations.

Abstract The aim of this study is to adapt a Portuguese version of the original 18 items of the Bergen Facebook Addiction Scale (BFAS), via a translation / back translation process, using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) in a Portuguese sample. The sample comprised 232 respondents from the general population. The modified BFAS acquires a different factor structure from the original, keeping 4 of the main theoretical elements (subscales) and 10 of the 18 original items. The results indicate that the Portuguese version of the original BFAS presents good psychometric qualities. The statistical techniques used in the study allowed assessing the reliability and validity of the modified BFAS. Nevertheless, further uses of this scale with other samples from the Portuguese population are necessary to confirm the obtained results.

Resumen La inmunoterapia con veneno de himenópteros (IVH) es, a largo plazo, un tratamiento eficaz para evitar nuevas reacciones sistémicas en pacientes con alergia a este tipo de insectos. La prueba de repicadura controlada es el estudio de referencia para confirmar la tolerancia del individuo. Sin embargo, no se ha generalizado su indicación clínica, por lo que la prueba de activación de basófilos (TAB) resulta una buena alternativa, pues valora de manera funcional la respuesta al alérgeno y está exenta de los riesgos asociados con la provocación. En esta revisión se explora la utilidad de la TAB en el seguimiento y valoración del éxito de la IVH. Se seleccionaron estudios que evalúan los cambios entre una TAB basal y en otro momento de la fase de inicio o mantenimiento de la IVH. Se incluyeron 10 estudios con datos de 167 pacientes, de los que el 29% había tenido prueba de repicadura controlada. Para vigilar la eficacia de la IVH debe explorarse la respuesta del basófilo, con la determinación de las concentraciones submáximas del alérgeno, que reflejan la sensibilidad del basófilo. Los cambios en la respuesta máxima (reactividad) no pueden aportar información del estado de tolerancia, especialmente en las fases iniciales de la IVH.

Abstract Hymenoptera venom immunotherapy (HVI) is a long-term effective treatment to avoid new systemic reactions in patients with Hymenoptera allergy. The sting challenge test is considered the gold standard to confirm the tolerance. However, the use of this technique is not generalized in clinical practice, being the basophil activation test (BAT), which functionally explores allergen response, an alternative that does not entail any of the provocation risks associated with the sting challenge test. This study reviews the publications that used the BAT to follow up and evaluate the success of the HVI. Studies assessing the changes between a baseline BAT before the start and BATs performed between the starting and maintenance phases of the HVI were selected. Ten articles were found, comprising information from 167 patients, of which 29% used the sting challenge test. The studies concluded the importance of evaluating the responses with submaximal allergen concentrations, which reflect basophil sensitivity, to monitor the HVI using the BAT. It was also observed that changes in the maximum response (reactivity) could not reflect the clinical status of tolerance, particularly in the initial phases of HVI.

Resumen En los últimos 4 años, Uruguay ha experimentado una creciente demanda por el consumo de alimentos a base de pescado crudo, tales como sushi, sashimi y ceviche. Este escenario generó la necesidad de evaluar la presencia y concentración de parásitos zoonóticos (Nematoda: Anisakidae) en porciones comestibles de especies de pescado comercializadas en el mercado local. Se analizaron 233 ejemplares de tres especies de pescado comercializadas en Uruguay: Macrodon ancylodon, Micropogonias furnieri y Cynoscion guatucupa. Se cuantificaron e identificaron, a nivel de género, nematodos en cavidad celómica y músculo, estableciendo finalmente los descriptores ecológicos para cada género encontrado y para cada especie de pescado evaluada. Dos de las especies evaluadas se encontraban parasitadas a nivel de cavidad celómica y tejido muscular, M. ancylodon y C. guatucupa. Cynoscion guatucupa resultó la especie mayormente parasitada con una prevalencia de 46%, mientras que el género de anisákido más prevalente fue Contracaecum (prevalencia de 35,1% en C. guatucupa y 32,4% en M. ancylodon). El hallazgo de anisákidos en la especie M. ancylodon representa un nuevo registro de hospedador en Uruguay. Por otra parte, se reporta por primera vez en el país la presencia de estos parásitos zoonóticos en porciones comestibles (músculo).

Abstract In the last 4 years, Uruguay has experienced a growing demand of raw fish-based foods, such as sushi, sahimi and ceviche. This scenario generated the need to assess the presence and concentration of zoonotic parasites (Nematodoes: Anisakidae) in edible parts of fish species traded in the local market. 233 fish specimens of 3 species commercialized in Uruguay were analyzed: Macrodon ancylodon, Micropogonias furnieri and Cynoscion guatucupa. The nematodes were quantified and identified at genus level, from coelomic cavity and muscle of the fishes, to finally stablish the ecological descriptors for each genus founded and for each fish species evaluated. Two of the three species of fish were parasitized with anisakids in both location (coelomic cavity and muscle), M. ancylodon and C. guatucupa. C. guatucupa was the most parasitized with a prevalence of 46%, while, the anisakid genus most prevalente was Contracaecum (prevalence of 35,1% in C. guatucupa and 32,4% in M. ancylodon). The finding of anisakids in M. ancylodon represents a report of a new host in Uruguay. Moreover, the finding for the first time in the country of these zoonotic parasites in edible parts of fish (muscle) is highlighted.

Abstract Introduction: The loss of muscle mass is becoming a very common problem among critically ill patients and it’s also strongly related to their prognosis and quality of life after lea-ving the intensive care unit. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the loss of muscle mass in the first five days, since the patient is admitted to the intensive care unit, and if there is a relationship between this muscle wasting and the nutritional support provided to patients. Methods: This prospective observational study enrolled adult patients admitted in the intensive care unit between January and March 2020. On the day of admission and on the fifth day of follow-up, an ultrasound evaluation of the thickness of the biceps brachii and quadriceps femoris was performed. During the five-day period we also analyzed the energy and protein support that was provided to the patients. Results: Thirty five patients were enrolled in this study with a mean age of 64±15, mostly male gender (62.9%). There was a loss of 1.77 mm in the thickness of the biceps brachii and 2.19 mm in the quadriceps femoris. We observed that the patients received an estimated daily nutritional support that corresponds to 20.0% of their energy and 24.9% of their protein needs. Conclusion: It is feasible to objectively and non-invasively evaluate the muscle mass in critically ill patients and there was a significant decrease in muscle mass in the first days after admission. The nutritional support provided was significantly lower than recommended.

Resumo Introdução: A perda de massa muscular é um problema cada vez mais prevalente em doentes críticos, estando fortemente relacionada com o seu prognóstico e com a qualidade de vida após a saída da unidade de cuidados intensivos. Pretendeu-se com este estudo avaliar a perda da massa muscular nos primeiros cinco dias de internamento, e se existia uma correlação entre esta e o suporte nutricional fornecido aos doentes. Métodos: Estudo prospetivo observacional entre janeiro e março de 2020 num serviço de cuidados intensivos. No dia de admissão e no quinto dia de internamento procedeu-se à avaliação ecográfica da espessura da massa muscular do bíceps braquial e do quadríceps femoral. Durante o período de cinco dias também se analisou o suporte nutricional energético e proteico. Resultados: Avaliaram-se 35 doentes com idade média de 64±15 anos, maioritariamente do género masculino (62,9%). A espessura da massa muscular foi avaliada com recurso à ecografia, tendo-se obtido uma perda de 1,77 mm na espes-sura do bíceps braquial e 2,19 mm no quadríceps femoral. Os doentes receberam um suporte nutricional correspondente a 20,00% das suas necessidades proteicas e 24,94% das suas necessidades energéticas estimadas. Conclusão: É possível avaliar de forma rápida, objectiva e não invasiva a massa muscular do doente crítico e verificou-se a perda significativa de massa muscular na fase inicial do internamento. O suporte nutricional fornecido foi consideravelmente inferior às recomendações.

Abstract Introduction: the goal of this work was to evaluate the acceptance of various types of thickeners, specifically modified starch thickener and gum thickener, both with and without flavoring. Patients and methods: a randomized sample of 40 hospitalized patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia was recruited. The taste, smell, and appearance of each type of thickener were evaluated, as well as the volume of liquid ingested by the patients taking each type of thickener (modified starch thickener vs. gum thickener, both with and without flavoring). Results: the overall acceptance of gum thickener was significantly higher than that of modified starch thickener (7.45 (1.57) vs. 5.10 (2.43), respectively; p = 0.001). When a food flavor was added to the thickened water, the overall rating of the product was higher than when no flavor was added (7.70 (1.53) vs. 4.85 (2.16); p < 0.001). The difference between the daily volume of water consumed by the patients who received gum thickeners (928.33 (331.27) mL) and those who received starch thickeners (670.00 (288.35) mL) was statistically significant (p = 0.012). Patient consumption was also higher when flavoring was added as compared to when it was not (943.33 (302.45) mL) vs. (655.00 (304.60) mL; p = 0.005). Conclusion: the acceptances of the thickener and of water intake by patients with dysphagia were both significantly higher when using gum thickeners compared to starch thickeners, and when adding flavoring.

RESUMEN Introducción: Durante las últimas décadas, las benzodiacepinas (BZD) y los antidepresivos (ADP) han estado entre las terapias más prescritas en todos los países desarrollados. Estos fármacos tienen efectos secundarios y las BZD pueden ocasionar abuso y problemas de dependencia. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la prevalencia de consumo de BZD y ADP entre los pacientes que acuden a una consulta de reumatología por primera vez, así como la indicación para ellos. Métodos: Se incluyeron pacientes remitidos por primera vez a la consulta de reumatología. Se registraron los datos demográficos, el motivo de la derivación y el diagnóstico final. Con respecto al tratamiento con ADP y/o BZD, se registraron su duración y la indicación de la prescripción. El tamaño de la muestra se estimó para un riesgo alfa de 0,05%. Se realizaron análisis univariantes y multivariantes para estudiar las asociaciones con características demográficas o clínicas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 350 pacientes (mujeres 77,1%, hombres 22,9%). La mayoría de ellos habían sido remitidos por dolor musculoesquelético (73,4%). Más de un tercio (36,6%) de los pacientes estaban en tratamiento con BZD y/o ADP. Las causas más frecuentes para su prescripción fueron ansiedad, depresión e insomnio. El diagnóstico final fue patología no inflamatoria en el 82% de los casos e inflamatoria en el 18% de estos. En el análisis univariante, el uso de BZD y/o ADP se asoció con el sexo femenino (p< 0,001), el desempleo (p< 0,001) y el diagnóstico de patología no inflamatoria (p< 0,001). En el análisis multivariante, el uso de BZD y/o ADP se asoció con el sexo femenino (p=0,002 [OR 3,4; IC 95% 1,6-7,4]) y el diagnóstico de patología no inflamatoria, específicamente con la fibromyalgia (p = 0,007 [OR 16,1; IC 95% 2,2-120,7]). Conclusión: El consumo de BZD y ADP es frecuente y está asociado con patología no inflamatoria.

ABSTRACT Introduction: During the last decades, benzodiazepines (BZD) and antidepressants (ADP) have been among the most prescribed therapies in all developed countries. They have side effects, and BZD carry a risk of abuse and dependence disorders. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of BZD and ADP among patients who attend a Rheumatology clinic, as well as the indication for these drugs. Methods: The study included patients who were referred for the first time to the Rheumatology clinic. Demographical data, reason for referral, and final diagnosis were recorded. The indication for ADP and/or BZD was recorded, as well as the duration of treatment. Sample size was estimated for a 0.05% alpha risk. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed in order to study the relationships with the demographical or clinical characteristics. Results: A total of 350 patients were included (women 77.1%, men 22.9%). Most of them (73.4%) had been referred for musculoskeletal pain. More than a third (36.6%) of patients were on BZD and/or ADP. The most frequent reasons for their prescription were anxiety, depression, and insomnia. The final diagnosis in the clinic was a non-inflammatory condition in 82%, and an inflammatory one in 18%. In the univariate analyses, the use of BZD/ADP was associated with female gender (p<.001), unemployment (p<.001) and non-inflammatory final diagnosis (p < .001). In the multivariate analyses, the use of BZD and/or ADP was associated with female sex (p = .002 [OR 3.4, 95% CI; 1.6-7.4]), and a non-inflammatory final diagnosis, specifically fibromyalgia (p = .007 [OR 16.1, 95% CI; 2.2-120.7]). Conclusion: Use of BZD and ADP is high and associated with non-inflammatory disease.

ABSTRACT Doping control analytics is already considered a highly integrative branch of science. In its development, analytical chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology have merged in a sublime way, all strictly amalgamated and controlled by a quality management system. The objective of the work was to describe the development of this science in Cuba and at the same time it is a tribute to its protagonists. A broad search was carried out on doping control activities in Cuba, interviews were carried out with persons involved in the activity and the archived documents of the Quality Management System of the Havana Anti-Doping Laboratory were reviewed. The present work describes the main antecedents and the evolution of the analysis of doping control in Cuba. It describes the evolution of the instruments and the personnel involved from 1973 to 2020, as well as the inter-center relations, research, and the accreditation process. It was divided into three main parts. The first describes the situation of doping analytics in the 1970s and 1980s; the second part describes the activities carried out in Cuba between 1973 and 1991 and the third part describes the creation and evolution of the Havana Antidoping Laboratory from 1999 to the present.

RESUMEN La analítica del control del dopaje es considerada ya una rama de las ciencias altamente integradora. En su desarrollo se ha fusionado la química analítica, la bioquímica y la farmacología, todo ello amalgamado de manera estricta y controlada por un sistema de gestión de la calidad. El objetivo del trabajo fue describir el desarrollo de esta ciencia en Cuba y al mismo tiempo constituye un homenaje a sus protagonistas. Se realizó una búsqueda amplia sobre las actividades de control del dopaje en Cuba, se realizaron entrevistas a personal involucrado en la actividad y se utilizaron los documentos archivados del Sistema de Gestión de la Calidad el Laboratorio Antidoping de la Habana. El trabajo describe los principales antecedentes y la evolución de la analítica del control del dopaje en Cuba. Describe la evolución de los instrumentos y el personal involucrado desde 1973 hasta el 2020, así como las relaciones inter-centros, investigaciones, y proceso de acreditación. Se dividió en tres partes fundamentales: situación de la analítica del dopaje en las décadas de 1970 y 1980; actividades ejecutadas en Cuba entre los años 1973 y 1991 y creación y evolución del Laboratorio Antidoping de la Habana desde el año 1999 hasta la actualidad.

Abstract Introduction: percutaneous closure is an essential tool in current endovascular treatment. Aortic pathology procedures require large-caliber arterial approaches, leading to a greater possibility of closure complications. For this reason, nowadays, both open surgical and the preclose technique coexist in almost every center worldwide, as it does in Spain with no contrasted results. The current literature provides good results for the pre-closing technique in aortic pathology, however there are still doubts regarding certain risk factors such as obesity, severe calcification or small-caliber arteries. There is not enough data to study how this procedure affects quality of life, an essential point, especially in older patients. Minimizing surgical aggression and improving their immediate post-procedure quality of life can be decisive because most of the patients are elderly with concomitant pathologies (fragile patients). Objetives: primary objectives: to estimate the technical success rate of the percutaneous closure procedure in aortic interventions, estimate the impact on quality of life and find possible differences in morbidity and mortality at 30 days in relation to the score of each patient on the frailty scale; secondary objectives: To evaluate the pre-suture time, hemostasis time, complications derived from closure, hospital stay and post-operative pain. Material and methods: the SPAIN Registry is a prospective multicenter study of patients undergoing percutaneous procedures on the aorta and its branches with ≥ 10 French (F) devices. Variables related to the closure of their inguinal access will be collected. The follow-up period will be 30 days. The duration of the recruitment period will be one year initially. Participants must certify that they have performed the closure of at least 10 large caliber percutaneous approaches (≥ 10 F) in national units of the specialties of Angiology and Vascular Surgery and Cardiology. Conclusion: the SPAIN Registry aims to value all current evidence and uniformly state, through the analysis of data from a prospective, standardized and validated cohort, the variables that influences the success of the technique. It aims to standardize the expected results of the technique in the majority of possible centers in Spain to finally show what are the success rates and the effect on the quality of life of the patient, especially the fragile one.

Resumen Introducción: el cierre percutáneo es una herramienta esencial en el tratamiento endovascular actual. Los procedimientos de patología aórtica precisan abordajes arteriales de gran calibre a nivel inguinal, lo que conlleva mayor posibilidad de complicaciones en el cierre. Es por esto que actualmente continúan conviviendo la técnica quirúrgica abierta y el abordaje percutáneo, siendo también así en el territorio nacional, con resultados a día de hoy no cuantificados. La literatura actual aporta buenos resultados para la técnica de presutura en patología aórtica, sin embargo aún existen dudas respecto a determinados factores de riesgo como la obesidad, calcificación severa o arterias de pequeño calibre. Tampoco existen suficientes datos que estudien cómo afecta este procedimiento a la calidad de vida, lo cual es un punto esencial, especialmente en pacientes mayores. Dado que un alto porcentaje de los pacientes que se someten a estas intervenciones son ancianos con patologías concomitantes (los llamados pacientes frágiles), minimizar la agresión quirúrgica y mejorar su calidad de vida inmediata post-procedimiento puede ser determinante. Objetivos: primarios: estimar la tasa de éxito técnico del procedimiento de cierre percutáneo en intervenciones aórticas, estimación del impacto en la calidad de vida así como encontrar posibles diferencias en la morbimortalidad a 30 días en relación a la puntuación de cada paciente en la escala de fragilidad modificada; secundarios: evaluar el tiempo de presutura, tiempo de hemostasia, complicaciones derivadas del cierre, estancia hospitalaria y el dolor posoperatorio. Material y métodos: el Registro SPAIN es un estudio multicéntrico prospectivo de pacientes sometidos a procedimientos percutáneos sobre la aorta y sus ramas con dispositivos ≥ 10 French (F), en el que serán recogidas variables relacionadas con el cierre de sus accesos inguinales. El periodo de seguimiento será de 30 días. La duración del periodo de reclutamiento será de un año inicialmente. Los participantes deben acreditar haber realizado el cierre de al menos 10 abordajes percutáneos de gran calibre (≥ 10 F) en unidades de ámbito nacional de las especialidades de Angiología y Cirugía Vascular y Cardiología. Conclusión: el Registro SPAIN pretende poner en valor toda la evidencia actual y determinar uniformemente mediante el análisis de los datos de una cohorte prospectiva, estandarizada y validada, las variables que influyen en el éxito de la técnica. Pretende obtener datos estandarizados del mayor número posible de centros en España para mostrar cuál es la tasa de éxito y el impacto en la calidad de vida del paciente, especialmente el frágil.

Abstract Introduction: the objective was to assess the utility of the Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) in hospitalisation units with patients at high risk of dysphagia. Patients and methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted in the Neurology and Internal Medicine wards; patients with admission < 24 hours and in a terminal stage of disease were excluded. In the first 24-48 hours of admission the presence of dysphagia as assessed with the EAT-10, the risk of malnutrition as assessed with the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tools (MUST), and comorbidities using the Charlson index were screened. Results: a total of 169 patients were recruited (76.0 years, 52 % women); 19.5 % were at risk of malnutrition. The EAT-10 instrument could be administered in 80.6 % of the patients, and was positive in 26.6 % (women 34.1 % vs. men 18.4 %; p = 0.025). When comparing patients with higher comorbidity with those with a lower Charlson index, a lower response rate to EAT-10 was observed (78.4 % vs. 93.9 %; p = 0.038), without differences in screening positivity (28.3 % vs. 19.4 %; p = 0.310). The prevalence of dysphagia risk was higher in the Internal Medicine unit than in the Neurology unit (30.4 % vs. 19.6 %; p = 0.133), as was the percentage of cases in which screening could not be performed (21.1 % vs. 11.1 %; p = 0.011). There were no significant differences in risk of malnutrition, mortality, hospital stay, or readmission according to the EAT-10. Conclusions: the EAT-10 has limited utility in the studied hospitalisation units due to a high rate of unfeasible tests, especially among patients at higher risk of dysphagia.

Resumen Introducción: el objetivo del estudio fue evaluar la utilidad del Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) en unidades de hospitalización con pacientes de alto riesgo de disfagia. Pacientes y métodos: estudio transversal de pacientes hospitalizados en Medicina Interna y Neurología; los pacientes con ingreso < 24 horas y en fase terminal de la enfermedad fueron excluidos. En las primeras 24-48 horas de ingreso se cribó la disfagia con el EAT-10, el riesgo de desnutrición con el Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool (MUST) y la comorbilidad con el índice de Charlson. Resultados: se reclutaron 196 pacientes (76,0 años, 52 % mujeres). El 19,5 % estaban en riesgo de desnutrición. El EAT-10 se pudo realizar en el 80,6 % de la muestra y fue positivo en el 26,6 % (mujeres 34,1 % vs. hombres 18,4 %; p = 0,025). Al comparar a los pacientes con mayor comorbilidad con aquellos que tenían un índice de Charlson más bajo, se observó una tasa de respuesta más baja al EAT-10 (78,4 % vs. 93,9 %; p = 0,038), sin diferencias en la positividad del cribado (28,3 % vs. 19,4 %; p = 0,310). La prevalencia del riesgo de disfagia fue mayor en la unidad de Medicina Interna que en la de Neurología (30,4 % vs. 19,6 %; p = 0,133), así como el número de casos en que no se pudo realizar el cribado (21,1 % vs. 11,1 %; p = 0,011). No hubo diferencias significativas en el riesgo de desnutrición, mortalidad, estancia hospitalaria o reingreso según el EAT-10. Conclusiones: el EAT-10 tiene una utilidad limitada en las unidades de hospitalización estudiadas debido a una alta tasa de pruebas no realizables, especialmente entre los pacientes con mayor riesgo de disfagia.

ABSTRACT The World Anti-Doping Agency has, among its functions, the accreditation of laboratories for doping control and to maintain this category it is necessary to comply with international standards. One of the requirements is the constant increasing of the assays sensitivity and with it the increasing of the analytical performance of the laboratory. The present work describes the introduction of a new instrumental method using tandem mass spectrometry to detect forbidden substances, mainly steroids. The assay was validated for 23 analytes, out of them 21 were anabolic steroids, one β2 agonist and one antiestrogenic substance. The validation results showed that the proposed method is highly selective and precise with intra-day variations between 1-17 % for the lowest concentrations and between 2,1-13,9 % for the highest one. The limits of detection were settled between 0,1-2,5 ng/mL except for clenbuterol (0,02 ng/mL). The detector showed no carryover after the analysis of concentrated samples, and the recovery and robustness tests were adequate according to the purpose, screening or confirmation process. Finally, the application of the validated assay to the evaluation of samples from a study of urinary excretion of methyltestosterone allowed to expand the detection window of this steroid, in time.

RESUMEN La Agencia Mundial Antidopaje posee, entre sus funciones, la acreditación de los laboratorios dedicados al control del dopaje y para mantener esta categoría es necesario el cumplimiento de estándares internacionales. Una de las exigencias es el aumento constante de la sensibilidad de los ensayos y con ello el aumento de la capacidad analítica del laboratorio. El presente trabajo describe la introducción de un método instrumental para la detección de sustancias prohibidas, fundamentalmente esteroides Se validó el ensayo para 23 analitos, de ellos 21 esteroides y otros dos compuestos no esteroideos anabólicos, un β2 agonista y un antiestrogénico. Los resultados del proceso de validación mostraron que el método propuesto es selectivo y preciso con variaciones intra-día entre 1-17 % para las concentraciones más bajas y entre 2,1-13,9 % para las más altas. Los límites de detección se mantuvieron entre 0,1-2,5 ng/mL excepto para el clenbuterol (0,02 ng/mL). El detector no mostró arrastre después del análisis de muestras concentradas, y los ensayos de recobrado y robustez fueron adecuados según el propósito que se persiga de pesquizaje o confirmación. Por último, la aplicación del ensayo validado a la evaluación de muestras provenientes de un estudio de excreción urinaria de metiltestosterona permitió ampliar la ventana de detección de este esteroide.

ABSTRACT Background cytogenetic prenatal diagnosis is part of the care provided to the high-risk pregnant woman and is an indispensable component of preventive genetic programs promoted by the World Health Organization. Objective: to expose the results of the cytogenetic prenatal diagnosis in the Cienfuegos province between 2007 and 2018. Method: a descriptive, retrospective, statistical and chronological series analysis was carried out at the Provincial Center of Medical Genetics of Cienfuegos about all the cytogenetic prenatal diagnoses made between 2007 and 2018. There were analyzed: causes of study, number of diagnoses made, types of anomalies detected, relationship between causes of the study with the results of the diagnosis. Diagnoses were obtained from the database of the Institution's laboratory and a qualitative and quantitative assessment of their behavior was carried out during the period analyzed. The results are presented in tables using absolute numbers and percentages. Results: 3260 cytogenetic prenatal diagnoses were determined during the study period, 83 of them presented chromosomal alterations, for 2,6 % positivity. Only 33,7 % of positive cases and healthy carriers are under 37 years old. The most frequent chromosomal abnormality was the free trisomy of 21 (45,8 %), the structural aberrations were 21,7 %, the mosaics were 13,3 %, and the most frequent reason for indication among the positive cases was age advanced maternal (45 cases). Conclusions: the indicators analyzed behave similarly to those reported in 2012, in the literature of Cuba and the world.

RESUMEN Fundamento: el diagnóstico prenatal citogenético forma parte de la atención que se brinda a la embarazada de alto riesgo y es un componente indispensable de los programas preventivos de genética que impulsa la Organización Mundial de la Salud. Objetivo: exponer los resultados del diagnóstico prenatal citogenético en la provincia Cienfuegos entre los años 2007 y 2018. Método: se realizó un estudio descriptivo, retrospectivo, análisis estadístico y de serie cronológica desarrollado en el Centro Provincial de Genética Médica de Cienfuegos acerca de todos los diagnósticos prenatales citogenéticos que se realizaron entre los años 2007 y 2018. Se analizaron: causas de estudio, cantidad de diagnósticos realizados, tipos de anomalías detectadas, relación entre las causas del estudio con los resultados del diagnóstico. Estos diagnósticos se obtuvieron de la base de datos del laboratorio de la Institución y se realizó una valoración cualitativa y cuantitativa de su comportamiento en el periodo analizado. Los resultados se presentan en tablas mediante números absolutos y porcentajes. Resultados: en el período estudiado se determinaron 3260 diagnósticos prenatales citogenéticos, de ellos 83 presentaron alteraciones cromosómicas, para un 2,6 % de positividad. Solo el 33, 7 % de los casos positivos y sanos portadores tienen menos de 37 años. La anomalía cromosómica más frecuente fue la trisomía libre del 21 (45,8 %), las aberraciones estructurales fueron el 21,7 %, los mosaicos el 13,3 %, y el motivo de indicación más frecuente entre los casos positivos fue la edad materna avanzada (45 casos). Conclusiones: los indicadores analizados se comportan de manera similar a los reportados en en el 2012 y en la literatura de Cuba y del mundo.